"This was a positive game for me," said the 52-year-old Löw."We had a team with lots of changes, a lot of key players missing but we stuck to our positions, we had discipline and worked very well in defence," Löw said."This was the most important thing for us after the Sweden game. We were courageous in the first half, going forward. It was more balanced in the second half but what is important is that we did not allow the Dutch many chances."

"I'm highly-motivated," said Löw. "Our goals have not changed because of the latest results. The team has immense potential, but they still have to mature. We'll spend the winter analysing things and then go into the new year full of energy.""There are still a few things we have got to work on, and work on well, but we are heading in the right direction in terms of the 2014 World Cup," added Löw, with a smile.

"When we have stuck to our playing style, we had no problems," said Löw, when asked to sum up 2012, with his team top of their World Cup qualifying group."But when we came away from that, we ran into difficulties. This team has an awful lot of potential, but still needs to mature.""I have already said that it makes a lot of sense to play a strong opponent," he said."I have learnt a lot and when you are missing eight regulars, it's a good opportunity to give others the chance to prove themselves at this level. It has shown that we have good alternatives.""This time, I only saw one or two long balls, against Sweden we hit 25 to 30 of them in the final phase alone, all of which we then lost," he said."If we had played like that against Sweden, we wouldn't have got into so much trouble. This time we didn't lose our calm and had things in balance."

"I am looking forward to the game against Holland. For me, every international game is of great importance and gives us many insights," he said at Tuesday's press conference."We can take this opportunity to look at other players that do not get called up regularly, or have been called up for the first time. They will get the chance to prove themselves in such a prestige fixture. Therefore we take this game seriously.""Holland, along with us, the Spaniards and one or two South American teams are the best in the world," he added."The Dutch have always had the highest standards and do so now. We have caught up in recent years and shown that we can beat such a team.""It is important that the players who are here show their power and that Germany is properly represented," he said.

"Six of our squad could still play in the Under-21s and it's part of our philosophy to build players like this into our squad so they get to know how things work here," explained Löw.

"I've spoken to the doctors and when the doctors say it's a risk fielding the players, I believe them," Low explained in answer to questions about the validity of some of the withdrawals.Asked if Podolski could replace Klose for the game at the Amsterdam ArenA, Low dismissed the idea, saying: "Lukas could play up front, but it's not his ideal position. He is more of a player who can impress behind central attack." from espn.com

Löw: Retourkutsche für van Gaal - Louis Van Gaal is reminded of what was not his 'finest hour' - failing to qualify for the 2002 World Cup finals, in response to his comments that Jogi had won 'little'! He did however say that he appreciated Van Gaal's qualities as a coach and how he had inspired Holland since their early Euro exit!Video from kicker.de - Löws Spitze gegen van Gaal

Other Points:- Hinted that Marco Reus could start up front.- Has heard of discussions on Euro 2020 being held in several countries, but not an important topic for him at present- Met with Miroslav Klose in Rome over weekend, no point in playing 'ailing' players in a match such as this.- November very stressful and busy time for players- Praised Dortmund's performances in the Champions League, said they had 'great potential'.- Thomas Müller will start, has recovered from cold.

"We want to finish the year on a good note, and win over our fans with a good performance,'' Germany coach Joachim Löw said.

As the team flew out to Amsterdam Monday, Schalke 04 midfielder Lewis Holtby was also called up to join the squad. Shortly after it was announced that both Mesut Özil and Miroslav Klose had also withdrawn due to injuries. - 12 November 2012

"From an educational point of view, it would be the wrong approach if we spend a few hours talking about the Sweden game," said Löw."We will certainly look at it as part of our preparations, but I won't look at it for too long. Dealing with the last 30 minutes is a continuous process.""The problem is the players have a lot of demands on them at the end of the year," admitted Löw, who has said he will use his bench."We will deliver a high-intensity game," said Löw."Matches against the Netherlands are always special, even if it is a friendly match only. There is a lot of prestige on this fixture."

Jerome Boateng and Marcel Schmelzer have both had to withdraw from the squad. Boateng suffered a muscle tear during Bayern Munich's Bundesliga 2-0 win against Eintracht Frankfurt, and Schmelzer with the foot injury which kept him out of the Sweden game. - 11 November 2012Further withdrawals have also come from midfielders Bastian Schweinsteiger and Toni Kroos, and late Sunday Jogi called-up Frankfurt's Sebastian Jung and Dortmund's Sven Bender to the squad.

"I am delighted that Rene has been able to get back to his best again after his long injury," said Löw."He should now get the chance to prove himself on the international stage again. This is a decision pro-Rene Adler and not against Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Ron-Robert Zieler, who obviously remain on our radar.""It is impressive how well Roman has been playing lately for Schalke and how he has made the breakthrough," said Löw. "He has very good technical ability and, given his performances in the Bundesliga and the Champions League, he has absolutely deserved this call-up."The game against the Netherlands in Amsterdam is Germany's last appointment of a calendar year which Löw looks back on positively. "We have managed to bring some new, young players into the team and we will remain faithful to our general philosophy and attacking mindset," he said."We must not ignore the fact that we still have to improve in certain areas and find the right balance at times."

The full Germany squad for the friendly against the Netherlands is as follows:

Löw wehrt sich gegen van Gaals Vorwürfe - 1 November 2012In the days leading up to the Netherlands friendly, Jogi replies to Dutch coach Louis Van Gaal's suggestion that Germany had taken up Bayern Munich's 4-5-1 formation. He suggests that as Germany first played the system at Euro 2008, perhaps it was Van Gaal that had been the one to be inspired when he took over at Bayern in 2009! However, he expressed a desire for them to meet in Amsterdam over a 'good glass of Rioja' and said the Dutch coach shared his love of 'attractive and attacking' football.

Last updated 26 November 2012.With thanks to everyone on the Group, especially Raheleh, Silke and Yowko.